Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Cargo deliveries at Bridgetown Port impacted by Internet outage

    Cargo deliveries at Bridgetown Port impacted by Internet outage

    The Port of Bridgetown is experiencing significant operational disruptions due to a widespread internet service outage affecting its digital infrastructure. The technical failure has severely hampered cargo delivery systems, limiting operations exclusively to containers that received pre-incident clearance for release.

    Critical logistical functions have been suspended, including all delivery operations from Shed 2 and Shed 4. The port’s digital ecosystem has been particularly impacted, with online service portals and electronic payment systems at cashier stations rendered inoperative throughout the facility.

    Port authorities have issued formal apologies to shipping partners and clients affected by the service interruption. Technical teams are actively engaged with internet service providers to restore connectivity while maintenance crews work to implement contingency measures.

    The administration has committed to providing regular service restoration updates as new information becomes available. Stakeholders are advised to monitor official communication channels for the latest developments regarding the resumption of normal port operations.

  • Hoefdraad vraagt DNA besluit over vervolging opnieuw te beoordelen

    Hoefdraad vraagt DNA besluit over vervolging opnieuw te beoordelen

    In a significant legal development, former Surinamese Finance Minister Gillmore Hoefdraad has formally petitioned the National Assembly (DNA) through his attorney Murwin Dubois to review its August 6, 2020 decision regarding impeachment proceedings against him. The petition raises substantial constitutional and procedural concerns about how parliament handled the case against the former official.

    The legal submission contends that the case involves two separate impeachment requests filed by the Prosecutor-General under the Political Office Holders Impeachment Act (WIPA). According to court documents, the first impeachment request was rejected by the National Assembly on May 18, 2020. The subsequent filing, Hoefdraad’s legal team argues, was substantively identical to the initial request and presented to parliament without new evidence or changed circumstances.

    Hoefdraad’s defense maintains that this approach violates established parliamentary decision-making principles. The petition specifically references provisions within the National Assembly’s Rules of Order, which stipulate that previously decided matters cannot be reconsidered unless new circumstances or compelling reasons emerge.

    Additionally, the former minister’s legal team highlights another procedural irregularity: Hoefdraad was not granted a hearing before parliament’s decision-making process, despite legal requirements mandating that involved (former) political office holders must be given opportunity to be heard.

    The formal request seeks to have the August 2020 decision reintroduced to the parliamentary agenda and requests a definitive judgment on the procedural and constitutional aspects of the case’s treatment. This development represents a crucial test of parliamentary procedures and constitutional protections for political figures in Suriname’s democratic system.

  • Miner beaten to death, others injured over claims of stolen gold

    Miner beaten to death, others injured over claims of stolen gold

    A violent confrontation at a remote gold mining operation in Guyana’s Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) has resulted in one fatality and two serious injuries, according to a Thursday police briefing. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning along the Siparuni River when three armed assailants allegedly assaulted several miners following accusations of stolen precious metal.

    The deceased has been identified as 32-year-old Rowell ‘Kabaloo’ La Cruz from Warapoka Village in the North West District. Two other miners—a 36-year-old from Greater Georgetown and North Rupununi, and a 25-year-old from Paramakatoi Village—sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at healthcare facilities.

    Police reports indicate the altercation began when La Cruz and another miner were confronted in the kitchen area of the dredging operation camp. The suspects, allegedly armed with a handgun, cutlasses, and a mattock handle, accused them of extracting gold from a sluice box. The victims were then forcibly marched to a nearby watch camp where they encountered another individual before the brutal beating commenced.

    Following the assault, public-spirited citizens assisted the injured men toward the riverfront. Tragically, La Cruz succumbed to his injuries during transport. His body was subsequently located at a nearby camp with visible marks of violence, then escorted to the Linden Hospital Complex Mortuary. A post-mortem examination has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.

    Law enforcement authorities have launched a manhunt for the three suspects believed responsible for the attack. The investigation continues as police work to piece together the precise circumstances surrounding the theft allegations and subsequent violence.

  • DABA announces upcoming annual general meeting and launch of the 2026 basketball season in Dominica

    DABA announces upcoming annual general meeting and launch of the 2026 basketball season in Dominica

    The Dominica Amateur Basketball Association (DABA) has issued a formal summons to all affiliated teams, club representatives, and basketball stakeholders for its crucial Annual General Meeting scheduled for April 7, 2026. This strategic convening marks the official commencement of preparations for the highly anticipated 2026 basketball season.

    According to official communications, the AGM will function as a comprehensive platform for organizational assessment, governance review, and developmental planning. The meeting agenda includes critical deliberations on management strategies and advancement initiatives for Dominican basketball. The association emphasizes that participant engagement is paramount for shaping the sport’s future trajectory across the nation.

    The physical gathering will be hosted at the prestigious Dominica Olympic Committee Conference Room at 5:00 PM, with simultaneous virtual access provided through Zoom conferencing facilities. This hybrid approach ensures maximum participation from all basketball constituencies.

    DABA officials confirm the 2026 competitive season will tip off on April 11, 2026, immediately following the strategic meeting. Teams aspiring to participate must complete registration formalities by the absolute deadline of April 10, 2026. The association maintains its institutional commitment to cultivating basketball excellence through structured national competitions that benefit players, coaches, officials, and franchise organizations.

    Early registration is strongly advised to guarantee league inclusion. For procedural assistance and registration particulars, interested organizations may direct inquiries to the official administrative address: daba.dom@outlook.com.

  • Repairs Underway at Government Printery

    Repairs Underway at Government Printery

    A comprehensive renovation initiative is now underway at the Government Printery facility, targeting significant improvements to workplace conditions and addressing critical sanitation issues. The development was formally announced during this week’s post-Cabinet media briefing, where government representatives outlined the scope of the ongoing upgrades.

    Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that among the most pressing concerns being addressed is a persistent pigeon infestation that has plagued the building for an extended period. “Work has commenced at the government’s printery to enhance working conditions for employees,” Merchant stated. “A primary focus involves the removal of substantial pigeon populations that have established residence within the facility.”

    The remediation process involves carefully relocating the birds through humane methods as part of the initial cleanup phase. This essential first step will precede additional structural repairs and maintenance activities planned for the government printing operation.

    According to officials from the Ministry of Works, which is overseeing the project, these measures are designed to guarantee that staff members can perform their duties in both safe and hygienic surroundings. The improvements will simultaneously ensure the printery’s continuous operational capacity throughout the renovation period. Merchant emphasized that these upgrades specifically aim to provide workers with substantially improved environmental conditions for their professional activities.

  • Record Participation Expected for National Interschool Championships

    Record Participation Expected for National Interschool Championships

    Antigua and Barbuda is poised to host one of its largest youth athletic events in recent history as the National Interschool Championships prepares to welcome nearly 700 student competitors. The four-day tournament, set to take place at YASCO grounds from March 12-15, has garnered unprecedented institutional support with Cabinet members personally committing to attend and champion the event.

    During the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant revealed that government officials expressed particular enthusiasm for the championships, which represent a cornerstone of the national school sports calendar. The competition will feature track and field athletes from educational institutions across the twin-island nation, showcasing emerging talent in various athletic disciplines.

    The Office of the Prime Minister has issued a formal invitation to citizens, urging widespread public attendance to bolster morale for the young participants. Merchant conveyed the Cabinet’s collective message: ‘The general public is invited to come out and support young athletes and the Cabinet sends its best wishes and success to all of the athletes.’ This endorsement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering youth development through sports.

    Organizers emphasize that the championships serve as a critical platform for identifying and nurturing athletic potential while promoting physical activity among the youth population. The anticipated record participation reflects growing interest in school-based sports programs and indicates a positive trajectory for athletic development in the country.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Government Closing Bethesda Tissue Culture Lab as New Facility Planned

    Antigua and Barbuda Government Closing Bethesda Tissue Culture Lab as New Facility Planned

    In a strategic move to bolster national food security and agricultural output, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has initiated a significant restructuring of its agricultural support system. The Cabinet has confirmed the imminent closure of the existing tissue culture laboratory in Bethesda. This decision, announced by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant during the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, paves the way for the establishment of a new, advanced agricultural facility.

    The core objective of this transition is to enhance plant propagation capabilities across the twin-island nation. The new center will be dedicated to the production of superior, disease-free planting materials. These high-quality resources are specifically intended for widespread distribution to local farmers and national agricultural programs, ensuring a healthier and more robust foundation for crop cultivation.

    Government officials project that this modernization initiative will yield substantial benefits, including a marked increase in crop production volumes and a significant improvement in the overall quality of plants available to the agricultural sector. By providing farmers with access to optimized planting material, the initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of local agriculture against diseases and climate vulnerabilities, thereby reinforcing long-term food security.

    Complementing this infrastructural upgrade, the government has also procured new agricultural machinery. This equipment has already arrived at the port and is slated for imminent deployment. The integration of this modern technology is designed to further empower farmers, directly supporting efforts to boost crop yields and overall production efficiency, marking a comprehensive investment in the future of the nation’s agriculture.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Advancing ‘Blind Free Zone’ Eye Care Initiative

    Antigua and Barbuda Advancing ‘Blind Free Zone’ Eye Care Initiative

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has launched an ambitious public health program designed to eliminate preventable blindness and dramatically enhance national eye care capabilities. The groundbreaking ‘Blind Free Zone’ initiative, recently approved by the Cabinet, represents a strategic two-year collaboration between the Ministry of Health and international partners.

    Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, confirmed the program’s dual focus on expanding accessibility to vision services while implementing robust early detection and treatment protocols for ocular conditions. ‘This represents a comprehensive collaborative program specifically engineered to reduce preventable blindness and substantially strengthen eye care services throughout Antigua and Barbuda,’ Merchant stated.

    The initiative has already secured significant international support, including a substantial donation of specialized ophthalmic equipment valued at US$90,000 to upgrade medical infrastructure nationwide. In a critical capacity-building component, several Antiguan nurses are presently undergoing advanced clinical training at India’s prestigious Aravind Eye Hospital, recognized as the world’s largest eye care network.

    Upon completing their intensive specialization, these healthcare professionals will return to establish and manage two new community-based eye care centers operating under Ministry of Health supervision. These facilities will strategically serve populations along a designated corridor extending from Grace Farm through Golden Grove, Jennings, All Saints, English Harbour, and Falmouth, while remaining accessible to residents across both islands.

    The program will prioritize early intervention for treatable eye conditions that constitute major causes of vision impairment globally. In a significant affordability measure, government officials have committed to maintaining eyeglass prices below $100, ensuring economic accessibility while preserving the initiative’s long-term operational sustainability.

  • Investors Propose $150M Mega-Yacht Marina for Fort James Harbor

    Investors Propose $150M Mega-Yacht Marina for Fort James Harbor

    A consortium of international investors has unveiled a transformative vision for Antigua’s Fort James Harbor peninsula, proposing a $150 million luxury marina and mixed-use waterfront development. The ambitious plan, presented directly to the nation’s Cabinet this week, aims to create a world-class destination while preserving the area’s historical significance.

    The project’s first phase centers on constructing a state-of-the-art mega-yacht marina designed to accommodate at least 50 luxury vessels, positioning Antigua as a premier destination for high-end maritime tourism. According to Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, the development team presented “an ambitious vision for transformation into a vibrant world-class waterfront community that blends heritage, tourism, recreation, and residential development.”

    Government officials emphasized that the proposal remains at a preliminary stage and must undergo comprehensive review processes, including detailed assessments by technical agencies, environmental authorities, and planning bodies. The administration has reiterated its commitment to responsible sustainable investment that stimulates economic growth while protecting historical assets.

    The development concept integrates tourism infrastructure with recreational and residential components, creating a multifaceted destination that honors the Fort James area’s unique character. This approach aligns with the government’s strategy to enhance the country’s tourism offerings while safeguarding culturally significant sites.

    Should the project advance through approval processes, it represents one of the most substantial recent investments in Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism infrastructure, potentially creating new economic opportunities while redefining the waterfront experience for visitors and residents alike.

  • St. John’s Public Cemetery to Close to New Burials

    St. John’s Public Cemetery to Close to New Burials

    Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have formally announced the cessation of new interments at St. John’s Public Cemetery, marking the end of an era for the long-serving burial ground. The cabinet’s decision, revealed during a weekly media briefing, will be enforced starting late March, effectively closing the cemetery to new graves due to exhaustive capacity constraints.

    Maurice Merchant, the Director General of Communications within the Office of the Prime Minister, clarified the policy’s specifics. While new burial plots will no longer be allocated, the rights of families with pre-existing tombs will be preserved, allowing them to continue interring relatives in their designated family spaces. This measured approach aims to balance spatial limitations with respect for established familial connections to the site.

    The cemetery, having served the public for numerous decades, has simply exhausted its available space. This closure initiates a transitional phase for the grounds. Officials are now exploring a future reconceptualization of the area, potentially transforming it into a ‘tranquility park.’ This initiative seeks to repurpose the space respectfully, focusing on environmental enhancement and creating a serene public area while honoring its historical significance.